Taqueria Arandas Owner Gets Year in Prison on Tax Charges

Jesus Huerta, the owner of two Taqueria Arandas restaurants in Houston, has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for filing false tax returns that underestimated income by $4.6 million over five years.

Huerta was also ordered to pay $543,646 in restitution; he's already repaid $276,000.

He is one of 13 local Taqueria Arandas Restaurant owners charged with filing false federal income and employment tax returns for their restaurants, the U.S. Attorney's Office said today. The IRS has received about $6 million in delinquent taxes and penalties.

"Today's sentencing emphasizes that the IRS and the U.S. Attorney's Office will continue their aggressive pursuit of those who use fraudulent methods in an attempt to corrupt our nation's tax system." said IRS special agent Lucy Cruz. "Those Americans who file accurate, honest and timely returns can be assured that the government will hold accountable those who don't. This conviction sends a message that the IRS is working diligently to make sure that all taxpayers file and pay their fair share of taxes."

Huerta owned two locations of the popular restaurant: Taqueria Arandas No 20 at 4228 Highway 6 North and Taqueria Arandas No. 33 at 9401 South Main Street in Houston.